Concealed carry passes Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois House has approved a plan to allow qualified gun owners to carry their weapons in public.

The proposal adopted Friday was brokered by House Speaker Michael Madigan, but it's opposed by several of his fellow Democrats, including the governor.

Governor Pat Quinn said the bill "puts public safety at risk" and vows to do all he can to prevent the bill from passing in the Illinois Senate.

"This legislation is wrong for Illinois," Quinn said.

"It was wrong yesterday in committee, it's wrong today, and it's wrong for the future of public safety in our state," the governor added.

State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) was among those who voted in favor of Senate Bill 2193, which passed the House 85-30-1 and now moves to the Senate.

"This bill is not perfect, but it is an acceptable, common sense compromise which respects the Constitution, while keeping our communities safe," Davidsmeyer said. "This finally will bring Illinois into line with every other state in the nation."

Citing an FBI study, supporters said this was the right decision for the people of the state.

"This study that
everyone keeps mentioning about how this is going to make us safer is
crap. It was funded by the firearm industry. It is not something that
is valid for this discussion," said Chicago Representative Christian
Mitchell.

Chicago
Representative Kelly Cassidy added,"from the Violence Prevention Center,
508 people, including 14 members of law enforcement since 2007 have
been killed in incidents, non self defense incidents by conceal carry
permit holders."

Governor Quinn says he opposes the plan because it would wipe out local gun ordinances -- including Chicago's ban on assault weapons. Quinn issued a statement minutes after the House passed the bill on Friday.

Senate President John Cullerton signaled a fight when the bill hits the Senate.

He said a concealed carry bill that wipes out local gun ordinances in the state is "offensive."

Cullerton says another problem with Madigan's bill is that it would allow people to bring guns into some places that serve alcohol.

Cullerton says his Democratic caucus will meet Monday to decide whether to vote on the House's bill.